PROVIDENCE HOOD RIVER EXPANDS CHILDBIRTH AND PARENTING CLASSES

July 28, 2008

HOOD RIVER, Ore. – More parents plus more babies equals more classes at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. The hospital is expanding its childbirth and parenting classes – called Childbirth Connections, these classes offer complete, continuous and personalized support from early pregnancy through labor and delivery and back into the home.

“Our hospital delivers more babies than any Gorge hospital, and we thought it was time to expand our educational outreach,” said Becky Kopecky, director of clinical education. “Our team of nurses, physicians and educators work with families to support the birth experience in a safe, comfortable setting. The goal is for families to have the best birthing and parenting experience available.”

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Family Birth Center is proud to have received the 2007 “Maternity Care Best Practices Award.” Given by the Public Health Division, Oregon Department of Human Resources and Nursing Mothers Council of Oregon, this award recognizes the center’s efforts in eliminating infant formula samples and supporting breastfeeding.

Upcoming Childbirth Connections Class
Happiest Babies in the Gorge – A class sharing the challenges and joys of parenting. Parents bring their babies and share experiences. The class includes information on sleeping habits, food and nutritional issues, bottle and breastfeeding, and adjusting to parenthood. Fee: Free

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, 811 13th St., Hood River
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., July 31

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is part of Providence Health & Services, the state’s largest health system and largest private employer. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is a full-service, critical-access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Providence offers a wide range of health care services in the communities of the Columbia River Gorge through its clinics, care centers and senior living facilities.